UPDATE: China Sentenced Tashi Wangchuk to Five Years in Prison

Last night, we found out that Tashi Wangchuk received a sentence of five years in prison on charges of “inciting separatism”. His crime: advocating for the protection of Tibetan language.

Regardless of China’s obligations to protect the Tibetan language under their own constitution, Tashi’s calls for the right to learn, read, write, and speak Tibetan freely were ignored. Instead, Tashi Wangchuk has been slapped with a five year sentence – a reflection of China’s racist policies against Tibetans. Read our full statement here.

Tashi has not given up hope. As he appeals the verdict, here are two simple things you can do to support the global campaign:

Sign the petition, addressed to the five governments who attempted to observe Tashi’s trial – the European Union, United States, United Kingdom, Germany, and Canada – and urge them to press China for Tashi Wangchuk’s immediate and unconditional release.

Write to your elected leaders and ask them to make an urgent statement condemning the sentence and calling for Tashi Wangchuk’s release.

Our work depends on your support. Please consider making a contribution so that we can continue our work for justice in Tibet, and for heroes like Tashi.

Students for a Free Tibet (SFT) works in solidarity with the Tibetan people in their struggle for freedom and independence.

We are a chapter-based network of young people and activists around the world. Through education, grassroots organizing, and nonviolent direct action, we campaign for Tibetans’ fundamental right to political freedom.